Information for Medical Professionals

Hep C can lead to arthroplasty complications

People with Hepatitis C are more likely to suffer from complications and failure following total joint arthroplasty than those who do not, it has been claimed.

According to new research presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans, even patients who show no outward symptoms of the condition should be counselled on the increased risks.

Aidin Eslam Pour, who presented the research at the event, was reported by Ortho Supersite as saying: "Among the total hip replacement patients, patients with hepatitis C had substantially lower preoperative platelet counts and a higher hemoglobin drop.

"These patients had a significantly longer hospital stay."

He added: "Overall, patients with hepatitis C had significantly higher complication rates."

Recently, research published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery showed that infection is a more significant factor when it comes to post-surgical complications and revision than standard wear and tear.

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